Statement by Councilmember Tim Burgess on Hansen Group purchase of Sacramento Kings

Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess issued the following statement today:

"This is fantastic news and a huge win for Seattle and our entire region. Throughout our Council work to improve the proposal, Chris Hansen negotiated fairly and has kept his word. He is doing exactly what he told us he would do - working to return NBA basketball to Seattle. There is more work ahead, but this is a giant leap toward bringing the Sonics back home to Seattle."

Councilmember Burgess led the Council's review of the initial arena proposal as chair of the Government Performance and Finance Committee. Burgess insisted on significant changes to the Mayor's arena proposal to improve public benefits, including:

Stronger legal and financial protections for the city and county governments

Reduction in the inherent risks of this type of public-private partnership

Creation of a transportation fund with $40 million in initial funding for SODO freight and pedestrian mobility improvements.

After the Council committee negotiated a revised memorandum of agreement with Hansen, the full City Council approved it by a 7-2 vote on October 12, 2012 (Ordinance 124019).